Workout raft

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a flotation platform engineered to permit aquatic based exercise routines in a pool or Shallow calm waters for fitness or rehabilitation. An exercise method directed for a total body workout. A raft that exercise routines are performed on water to reduce stress, as if compared to ones workout With heavy equipment or on hard surfaces. The workout raft includes a removable pillow to allow more Resistance for both upper and lower body. The raft includes flexible connectors for the arm rest for a Variety of arm exercises. The raft includes a quarter hole behind the users knees to allow the user to Bend the raft easily in and out of the water. Disclosed is a raft that works out about every part of the Body. It has a number of color coded chambers that can be inflated for the desired level of resistance.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an aquatic exercise platform and a method ofusing this raft which allows one to enjoy a total body fitness, strengthand toning workout focused on just about every part of one's body whilefloating comfortable in a pool or shallow calm waters. The structure ofthe workout raft comprises primarily of a pool raft with attached armrests. The float consists of a number of color coded chambers within theraft that can be inflated to the desired level of resistance. The entireraft is comprised of a material capable of providing buoyancy. The raftis a comfortable float that has the color coded chambers inside the maincylinder air valve that first inflates the entire raft. The arm restsare then inflated separately. This main compartments in the raft and armrests are inflated first to enable the raft to float and support theuser. The raft provides support and buoyancy once the main raft and armrests are inflated to its entirety. This is accomplished by supplyingair through the air valves in the raft and arm rest. Once this isaccomplished, then one can inflate the individual color coded chambersinside the arm rests and the main raft, top and bottom. A beginner forexample might inflate 2 color coded chambers at the top and bottom ofthe raft as well as two in each arm rest, as the advanced workout wouldinflate more color coded chambers for a more resistance workout. Aspecific workout will require a certain number of color coded chambersto be inflated, for example if a beginner is doing the ab workout towhere one is pulling up on the mat with the ab handles they would startwith two filled color coded chambers first then three and so on. Thisapplies to the leg workout as well, for example for the beginner onewould only inflate maybe one or two color coded chambers. The colorcoded chambers represent just an easy way to begin a workout.

The more the user works out the more color coded chambers are theninflated. The outer color coded chambers are inflated at all times formore support and resistancy. As the exercises get easier for the userthen one inflates more color coded chambers as it gets easier. Thepresent invention is a raft that works out a variety of muscle groups asmentioned earlier. The raft is comprised of one raft that has upper andlower color coded chambers as well as arm rests with four color codedchambers for arm exercises. The raft has a quarter hole behind the usersknees to allow the raft to bend easily in and out of the water forvarious leg exercises. Without this feature it would be ultimatelyimpossible to bend the raft. Also, the quarter hole provides a number ofleg exercises when the user is lying on there stomach and placing thefeet through the hole and then putting the feet in the stirrups andpulling up on the mat for calve and hamstring as well as other legmuscle groups. Flexible bands attached to the raft allow the arm restsfull movement for a variety of arm exercises such as biceps, deltoidsand forearms, They are attached also to the mat only at one end eenabling them to be moved to any angle with respect to the raft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a flotation devicewhich can function for both recreational and physical developmentpurposes. It is therefore an object of the present invention to providea device for use in the water that supports the user above the waterssurface. It is an additional object to provide such a device that doesnot hamper users movements. Its another object to prove such a devicethat does not require straps or belts. The exercise device comprises ofa material adapted for floating that provides sufficient buoyancy tosupport a user positioned in a body of water. The method of the presentinvention comprises the steps of providing an adequate exercise programas outlines throughout these pages.

U.S. Patent Documents

4,394,783 July 1983 SIMMONS 5,514,057 May 1996 CIOLINO 5,921,898 June1926 SCROGGINS 2,582,439 January 1952 KAVANAGH 5/579X 2,803,839 August1957 MOSLEY 3,167,794 February 1965 BROWN 3,835,483 September 1974 EMAYET AL 4/579 3,860,976 January 1975 SUYAMA 4,037,591 July 1977 SARNO4/573.1 4,687,452 August 1987 HULL 4,771,722 September 1988 TIHANY4,858,913 August 1989 STUART 5,020,168 June 1991 WOOD 4/573.1 5,090,695February 1992 CIOLINO 5,149,314 September 1992 CIOLINO ET AL

Prior Art

A Number of prior art inventions have been made to provide some, butcertainly not all of the advantages of the present invention. Theseinventions are described briefly in the following summaries.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,783 illustrates a cushion, which includes threesections that are connected by flexible joints. It is intended toprovide comfortable support in a chair, however it is not a flotationdevice and it is not intended for use in the water

U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,695 illustrates and exercise float and method ofuse. It is formed of three sections connected by hinges. The buoyancy ofthe sections can be adjusted to vary the exercise intensity, and tosupport the weight of the individual. However, it fails to have anyindependent adjustments of exercise intensity alone.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,057 illustrates a bathtub exercise platformcomprised of two sections connected by a hinge. The exercise isaccomplished primarily by moving the body in the water, or using toningstraps. However, it fails to illustrate a devise where the primarymuscular resistance is produced by flotation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,416 illustrates a flotation device for supporting aperson, and for exercising on the water. The person using this devise issupported by an outer flotation device. The user can walk or wade whilebeing supported in the water. However, it fails to provide a means ofexercise by using flotation as the back resistance for the exercise.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,898 illustrates an exercise devise for use on waterconsisting of one elongated section, which is passed through the legsand seamed at its top. However, it failed to provide a means ofutilizing flotation as the means for producing resistance.

Discussion of Search Findings

The search patents disclosed flotation devices with hinged sections andwhich use flotation to provide resistance for exercise. These searchpatents, however, show a separate section such as arm rests, that can beindependently raised and lowered. This feature may support a patent.

BACKGROUND ART

There are a number of prior art devices using mats and/or flotationdevices. Prior art devices generally do not permit independent exerciseroutines of various muscle groups such as arm legs and abs. Nor do theypermit independent variations of the resistance provided. There arehowever other prior art that are based solely in tubs or otherrestricted areas. This feature will show you that this invention is notlimited to size such as other bathtub devices. Such bathtub devices arelimited to the size of the person or age. These features of the presentinvention will be provided for the user with no constrictions. Thisfeature will be described throughout these pages.

Field of Invention

The present invention refers to a floating device for use in pools orsallow calm waters. It is a Flotation platform engineered to permitaquatic based exercise routines for fitness and rehabilitation. Moreparticularly, the invention is a raft that contains a color codedchamber system inside the apparatus that provides a means of exercisethat is personally designed for each individual. This raft provides avariety of exercises as well as comfort. This invention provides a meansof an inexpensive and personal workout, as well as the comfort in oneshome. the raft provides a full body workout without any undue stresshaving to do with heavy equipment and costly heavy devices that take upa lot of space. The raft provides a minimal amount of set up and a greatwater tension workout.

Background of Invention

Exercising is universally pursued for aerobic fitness, maintain muscletone, improving posture, and rehabilitation. Swimming or other aquaticactivities have long been favorites for such purposes mostly due to lowimpact nature of such exercises. The muscle activities in swimming putslittle or no strain on limb joints while providing a significantcardiovascular workout. There are however several drawbacks to swimmingas a means of exercise. For many swimming is difficult or impossible dueto fear or no prior experience. Depending on the individual swimming mayinvolve too much strain or work. The preset invention provides a uniquesolution to these problems. By allowing a controlled set of exercisemovements while having the protection of the float as a means ofsupport, in a gravity free environment. Similar to swimming but thecomfort and protection for a total body workout.

Background (Cont)

Additionally, the problem with exercising in general is that most peoplejust do not have the time and finances. Cost is a major factor affectingthe decision to exercise or not. since the health clubs and spas chargecostly fees in far excess of what the typical citizen can afford now adays. Another problem for the beginner in the gym atmosphere is all theoverwhelming heavy equipment and how to operate them and for how long.You would most likely have to hire a personal trainer to achieve thebest gym workout, which is also very costly. Addressing both theseproblems this invention provides an affordable one time price and simpleinstructions on how to use. Basically it is pretty self explanatory,just float around and exercise pushing the raft in and out of the water.The raft consists of a color coded chamber system that can be easilyinflated with any standard foot pump or just the old fashion way ofinflating a raft. It also allows on to have a private workout, whetherat home in the pool or vacation resorts. It can also be used whileseveral people are in ones pool working out as a group.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the end and side view of the present invention to show the endview of the pillow (FIG. 1-1) fitting onto the end view of the raft.

FIG. 1 of the present invention shows the ab handles 1C which allows theuser to pull up on the raft for a variety of ab, stomach, and backexercises. FIG. 1-1A shows the side view of armrest that allows the userto do a variety of arm exercises. FIG. 1-1D are the foot stirrups thatallows the user to lie on their stomach placing the feet through thequarter hole (FIG. 2-4A) and placing the feet into the stirrups for avariety of leg exercise such as hamstrings and calves.

FIG. 2 shows the removable pillow 1A which allows for more resistancewhen placed on the bottom of the raft that is secured with the Velcrotabs (FIGS. 2-2C right and 2D left).

figure to shows the movable hinges for arm rests 3A-3B allowing the armrest full range of movement for a variety of arm exercises.

FIG. 3 shows the color coded chambers inside the raft 8F-8G thesechambers are fully inflated once The main raft is inflated. FIGS. 3-8Fand 8G stay inflated as well as the main raft cylinder to provideAdequate buoyancy and support for the user.

FIGS. 3-7A,B,C,D is showing the right air valves that inflate the colorcoded chambers for different Degrees of resistance for various armexercises.

FIGS. 3-8D,8E are the main air valves to inflate the arm rests to ensurethe arm rests float before Filling the color coded chambers.

FIG. 4 of the present invention to show the range of movement for thearm rests 6A-6B.

FIG. 4 is to show the color coded chambers inside the cylinder of themain raft. FIGS. 4-14B,14C,14D,14E,14F,14G are showing the color codedchamber system. This system helps adjust The tension in the raft for theminimum or maximum workout. The lower color coded chamber in FIGS.4-15A,15B,15C,15D,15E,15F are for different degrees of tension wheninflated for a variety of leg exercise. The raft, while being just abasic raft, also transpires into a full body workout while the floatingon top of the water just by adjusting the various color coded chambers.As the user inflates these chambers it allows the user for apersonalized workout, whether it's a beginner or advanced. The morecolor coded chambers that are inflated in FIG. 4 the harder the exercisebecomes.

FIG. 5 is the back view of the present invention to show all theindividual air valves for the color coded chambersystem—10A,10B,10C,10D,10E,10F are showing the upper air valves toinflated the inside color coded chamber system. Each valve is attachedonly to the chamber on the back of the raft. The more upper chambersthat are inflated the harder the workout. FIGS. 5-9A,9B,9C,9D,9E,9F isshowing the air valves for the lower portion of the back of the raft toinflate the chambers inside the rafts cylinder.

While showing each Figure and its uses, the raft provides an all aroundworkout as well as comfortable.

1. An apparatus for providing support and buoyancy to perform variousexercises in a pool or shallow calm waters. A raft comprised of colorcoded chamber system that enables the user a custom workout for abeginner or someone that is advanced. An apparatus that is comprised ofnumerous color coded chambers. A raft that is designed so that the outercylinder is inflated at the top and bottom to allow the raft to Float.Color coded chambers within a raft to provide resistance when one ormore is inflated. Arm rests that are attached to the mat with flexiblemoveable hinges to allow a variety of exercises. The arm rest thatinclude sliding hand grips for various arm exercises. Air chambers thatallow to inflate the main raft as well as each color coded chamber Araft with the upper portion comprised of six color coded chambers. Araft with the lower portion comprised of six color coded chambers. Araft with a detachable pillow A pillow that can be placed at either thetop or bottom of the raft for more resistance. Velcro tabs at the top ofthe raft to secure pillow. Velcro tabs at the bottom of the raft tosecure pillow for advanced leg exercises.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein is designed to float on the water extending from head to toe. 3.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper float is designed with sixindividual color coded chambers.
 4. The apparatus as to claim 1 furtherincludes two outer full length color coded chambers.
 5. The apparatus asto claim 1 further included ab handles at the top of the raft.
 6. Theapparatus as to claim 1 further includes foot stirrups underneath thebottom of the raft.
 7. The apparatus as to claim 1 further includesflexible movable hinges attached to the sides of the raft.
 8. Theapparatus as to claim 1 further includes arm rests that are attached tothe raft with movable Hinges.
 9. The apparatus as to claim 1 furtherincludes color coded chambers within the arm rests.
 10. The apparatus asto claim 1 further includes a quarter hole behind the users knees. 12.The apparatus as to claim 1 further included Velcro at the bottom of theraft.
 13. The apparatus as to claim 1 further includes Velcro at the topof the raft.
 14. The apparatus as to claim 1 further includes air valvesto inflate at the arm rest and color coded chambers.
 15. The apparatusas to claim 1 further includes individual air valves for each colorcoded chambers.
 9. The apparatus as to claim 1 further includes